Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action

103 Low Libray, 212-854-5511

 

Disability Resources

 

Compliance on University Disability Policies

Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action

The University’s Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (EOAA) has overall responsibility for the University’s Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination Policies on disability and has been designated to coordinate compliance activities under these policies and the applicable federal, state and local laws. Students, faculty, and staff may contact the EOAA Office to inquire about their rights under the University’s policies on disability, request mediation or counseling, or seek information about filing a complaint.   Information and advice are also offered to visitors and callers.  For further information, please contact:

 

Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action

Phone: 212-854-5511

FAX: 212-854-1368

http://www.columbia.edu/cu/vpaa/eoaa/

 

103 Low Library, Mail Code 4333

535 West 116th Street

New York, NY 10027

 

Commitment to Equal Opportunity and Non Discrimination for Individuals with Disabilities

As an institution, Columbia University is committed to the principles of equity and excellence.  It actively pursues both, adhering to the belief that equity is the partner of excellence.  Columbia University's goal is a workforce and student body that reflect the diversity and talent of New York City, the larger metropolitan area, and the nation.  In furtherance of this goal, Columbia has implemented policies and programs which seek to ensure that its employment and educational decisions are based on individual merit and not on bias or stereotypes.

Columbia is also committed to providing a working and learning environment free from unlawful discrimination and harassment and to fostering a nurturing and vibrant community founded upon the fundamental dignity and worth of all of its members. Consistent with these commitments and with applicable laws, it is the policy of the University not to tolerate unlawful discrimination or harassment on the basis of disability and to provide employees, applicants for employment, students and applicants for admission who feel that they are victims of discrimination or harassment on the basis of disability with mechanisms for seeking redress.

 

As set forth in Columbia University's Equal Employment Opportunity and Nondiscrimination Policies and Procedures on Discrimination, Discriminatory Harassment and Sexual Harassment, the University does not discriminate against or permit harassment of employees or applicants for employment on the basis of disability.  These policies and procedures apply to all of its personnel decisions, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, compensation, benefits, transfers, terminations, and layoffs, and to all terms and conditions of employment. 

 

As set forth in its Equal Educational Opportunity and Student Nondiscrimination Policies, Columbia University does not discriminate against any person in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other University-administered programs or permit the harassment of any student or applicant on the basis of disability.

 

Complaints alleging discrimination on the basis of disability against employees are governed by the Equal Employment Opportunity and Nondiscrimination Policies and Procedures on Discrimination, Discriminatory Harassment and Sexual Harassment, which are available online at: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/vpaa/eoaa/docs/nondispol.html. 

 

Complaints against students are processed in accord with the Equal Educational Opportunity and Student Nondiscrimination Policies and Procedures on Discrimination and Harassment, which are available online at: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/vpaa/eoaa/docs/student_discrim.html. 

 

Affirmative Action for Individuals with Disabilities

As a recipient of federal contracts in excess of $10,000, Columbia University is a federal contractor subject to the requirements of Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended, which requires that all federal contractors holding a contract with the federal government in excess of $10,000 "take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities."  The U.S. Department of Labor enforces this statute and its implementing regulations – which may be found in Chapter 60 of Title 41 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 60-741.41 et seq. – and requires federal contractors with a contract of $10,000 or more to prepare and implement a written Affirmative Action Program for individuals with disabilities. 

 

As a recipient of federal contracts in excess of $25,000, Columbia University is also a "federal contractor" subject to the requirements of the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 ("VEVRAA") and the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998.  These statutes require that all federal contractors holding a contract with the federal government of $25,000 or more "take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified special disabled Veterans."  The U.S. Department of Labor enforces these statutes and their implementing regulations – which may be found in Chapter 60 of Title 41 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 60-250.1 et seq. – and requires federal contractors with a contract of $25,000 or more to prepare and implement a written Affirmative Action Program for covered veterans.

 

In furtherance of these federal mandates, Columbia University has prepared and implemented an Affirmative Action Programs for Individuals with Disabilities and Covered Veterans for its Morningside Campus, for its CUMC campus and for the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Campus.  These Programs are designed to enhance the opportunities of qualified individuals with disabilities and covered veterans. 

 

For purposes of these Programs, the following terms and definitions apply:

 

•           Individual with a Disability refers to any person who (i) has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of such person's major life activities; (ii) has a record of such an impairment; or (iii) is regarded as having such an impairment.

 

•           Qualified Individual with a Disability refers to an individual with a disability who satisfies the requisite skill, experience, education and other job-related requirements of the employment position such individual holds or desires, and who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of such position.

 

•           Special Disabled Veterans refers to (i) a Veteran entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under the laws administered by the Department of Veterans' Affairs for disability who is rated at 30% or more, or is rated at 10 or 20 percent in the case of a Veteran who has been determined under Section 3106 of Title 38, U.S.C. to have a serious employment handicap; or (ii) a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

 

Copies of the Programs are available in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action.

 

Disability Accommodation

Office of Disability Services for Students

Columbia University's Office of Disability Services (ODS) is responsible for coordinating support for students with disabilities, developing University-wide policies for assisting and accommodating students with disabilities, arranging reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities, and advising on the interpretation of federal, state, and local laws and regulations.  Upon admission to Columbia University, all entering students with disabilities are encouraged to contact the Office of Disability Services. 

Reasonable Accommodations are adjustments to policy, practice, and programs that “level the playing field” for students with disabilities and provide equal access to Columbia’s programs and activities. Examples include the administration of exams, services such as note-taking, sign language interpreters, assistive technology, and coordination of accessible housing needs. Accommodation plans and services are custom designed to match the disability-related needs of each student and are determined according to documentation and the student’s program requirements.

Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis after the Office of Disability Services (ODS) considers the student’s needs as described in their disability documentation. Faculty also have the opportunity to consult with ODS on the final determination of accommodations for each of their courses and for each student. Some accommodations may be appropriate in one course or program, but not in another.  For further information or assistance on the, please contact:

Office of Disability Services

Phone: 212-854-2388
TTY: 212-854-2378
FAX: 212-854-3448
Email disability@columbia.edu
http://www.health.columbia.edu/docs/services/ods/index.html

 

Morningside Campus Location
8th floor, Lerner Hall
2920 Broadway, Mail Code 2605
New York, NY 10027

 

Medical Center Campus Location
101 Bard Hall, 50 Haven Avenue
New York, NY 10032

 

Disability Services for Employees and

Return to Work Program for Employees

Disability Services and the Return to Work Program in the Department of Human Resources coordinates support for employees of the University who are seeking accommodation for a temporary or permanent medical condition or disability.  These offices provide outreach and case management to all employees as well as referrals to other programs and services as needed.  They can coordinate with an employee’s department to arrange temporary or permanent accommodations for a chronic condition, a temporary injury or the effects of a medical procedure; they can explain the benefits available during a medical leave and the documentation necessary to support a request for accommodation; they can ease transition from a medical leave back to a job.  Whatever the circumstances, employees with disabilities are encouraged to self-identify and contact Disability Services and/or the Return to Work Program for a confidential consultation.  For further information or assistance, please contact:

 

Disability Services and the Return to Work Program

Phone: 212- 870-3464 
FAX: 212-870-2810  Fax

E-mail: hb356@columbia.edu

http://www.hr.columbia.edu/hr/wacguide/workplace/workplace-accommodations/index.html.

 

1220 Interchurch Center, Mail Code 7710
475 Riverside Drive

New York, NY  10115

Campus Accessibility
Columbia is committed to fostering a campus that is increasingly accessible to people with disabilities. Each year Columbia removes physical barriers and makes significant accessibility improvements. Among the University’s most recent improvements include a new entrance to Fayerweather Hall, renovations to residence hall suites, and modifications to the entrances of the undergraduate academic buildings.

 

Campus Access for Visitors and Guests

The Department of Public Safety is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to assist guest and visitors with outdoor access to the different levels of campus.  The Department will also assist guest and visitors with access within campus buildings, subject to each building’s hour of operation.  To arrange for assistance, visitors should contact the Public Safety desk in Low Library or request help from the guards stations 24 hours a day at campus entrances at the West 116th and Broadway and West 116th Street and Amsterdam or from any other Public Safety officer they may encounter.  For assistance and information, please contact:

 

Department of Public Safety

Phone: 212-854-2797 or 212-854-5555

http://www.columbia.edu/cu/publicsafety/

 

1st Floor, Low Library

535 West 116th Street

New York, NY 10027

 

Visitors and guests who require disability accommodations for a Columbia event or activity should contact the host program to arrange the necessary accommodations. 

 

Program Access
While Columbia continues to improve its physical access, it ensures that all of its programs and activities are accessible to people with disabilities. If a program or activity is scheduled for a venue that is not fully accessible, it is Columbia’s policy to relocate such events to accessible facilities that meet the needs of the individual student. The Office of Disability Services (ODS) works closely with students to ensure that their residence halls and classrooms meet their access needs.

 

Library Access Services

The University provides services and programs to patrons with disabilities.  Services for individuals with disabilities include library orientations, catalog assistance, accessible photocopy machines, retrieval services from the stacks and other locations, lockers, loan renewsal via telephone, and arrangements for designating deputy borrowers.  The University works with patrons on an individual basis to assess their individuals  accommodation needs.  For information and assistance, please contact:

 

Access Services Division Liaison

Mayra Melendez

Phone: 212-854-3536

mm57@columbia.edu.

 

Campus Access Maps
Campus Access Maps, which illustrate accessible features of Columbia’s buildings and grounds, are available upon request from ODS or online at: http://www.health.columbia.edu/pdfs/ods_campus_access_map.pdf.  Online campus access maps are currently under development.

 

Campus Call Boxes

Emergency Call Boxes on the campus may be used to contact the Department of Public Safety to request assistance with access to different campus levels and to buildings.  A map showing their location may be found at:

http://www.columbia.edu/about_columbia/map/CU_Emergency_Call_Box_Location.pdf.

 

Campus Access Tours
Campus access tours are available upon request from the Office of Disability Services. These tours will be designed to meet the specific needs of the individuals requesting them.  For information or assistance, please contact

 

Office of Disability Services

Phone: 212-854-2388
TTY: 212-854-2378

http://www.health.columbia.edu/docs/services/ods/index.html

 

Applicable Laws

In accordance with all applicable laws and pursuant to its own policies and operating procedures, Columbia University provides for equal opportunity, prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment, and takes affirmative action. The applicable laws include:

             

            • Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requires a federal contractor to take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified workers with disabilities. Section 504 prohibits the exclusion of any person solely on the basis of a disability from participation in or access to benefits of any federally financed program or activity; it also prohibits discrimination against any person solely on the basis of disability in any federally financed program or activity.

 

            • The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 prohibits discrimination in public accommodation and in employment against a qualified person with a disability and requires an employer to provide qualified applicants and employees with reasonable accommodations.

           

            • The Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 and the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998, as amended, prohibit job discrimination and require affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified special disabled veterans.

             

            • The New York Executive Law, Article 15, Section 296(1), prohibits discrimination against any person in employment because of disability. Section 296(4) prohibits an educational institution from denying the use of its facilities to anyone otherwise qualified or permitting harassment of a student or applicant on the basis disability.       

• The New York City Human Rights Law, Section 8-107 prohibits discrimination in public accommodations on the basis of actual or perceived disability.   It also makes it an unlawful discriminatory practice for an employer to discriminate against any person because of his or her actual or perceived disability.

           

Any person wanting to file a complaint under any of these laws should consult the website of the relevant government agency listed below:

 

Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education

http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html

 

U.S. Department of Justice

http://www.ada.gov/

 

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

http://www.eeoc.gov/contact.html

 

Veterans’ Training and Employment Service, U.S. Department of Labor

http://www.dol.gov/vets/aboutvets/contacts/main.htm

New York State Department of Human Rights

http://www.dhr.state.ny.us/offices.html

 

New York State Department of Labor

http://www.labor.state.ny.us/agencyinfo/local_offices.shtm

 

New York City Commission on Human Rights

http://www.nyc.gov/html/cchr/home.html